Education

On Friday evening, September 15, 2017, during CBAI’s 43rd annual convention in Springfield, a special event was held to recognize the 43-year career of Bob Wingert as the association’s only president. Wingert will be succeeded by Kraig Lounsberry on January 1, 2018.

Nearly 400 attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment throughout the evening. A brief presentation included comments from CBAI’s first chairman (1974-75), Art Murray of Milford; CBAI’s current chairman (2016-17), Tom Marantz of Springfield; and Wingert.

Chairman Marantz, who emceed the event, reminisced about years long ago when his father Jack drove Bob to see the association’s first office in 1975 and noted that the Marantz family has been part of Bob’s career from the beginning to the end. Jack later served as association Chairman in 1981, and Tom is the first second-generation chairman of the association. Tom also reflected on the early days with amusement when both he and Bob were young and single and burning both ends of the candle.

CBAI leaders and executive staff visit 11 locations during the Annual Group Meeting tour. Bankers participate in these enjoyable and informative events yearly. Consisting of an optional golf outing and a dinner meeting, Group Meetings provide an excellent opportunity to get the latest information on key banking issues and catch up with friends and peers.